Montreal group seeks NBA expansion team

A Quebec group of prominent business people is looking to bring an NBA franchise to Montreal, even if the league has no immediate plans to expand.

"Although the NBA and its commissioner have made it clear to us they currently have no plans to expand the league, we have taken the decision to prepare for when expansion does take place because we believe it will take place," Michael Fortier said at a press conference Wednesday, according to Global's Kalina Laframboise.

The press conference came ahead of the Toronto Raptors' preseason trip to Montreal, where they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 118-91 Wednesday night.

Montreal ranks among North America's 20 most populous metropolitan areas, but has only had one "big four" pro sports team since baseball's Expos left in 2004.